The Misconception of Common Sense: Navigating the Diverse Environments of Life
When discussing the concept of common sense, many people often assume it as an unambiguous, universally applicable tool. However, common sense itself is a highly nuanced and culturally specific concept that changes based on one's environment and context.
Case Studies in Cultural Adaptability
The examples of Kim Kardashian and Mary Heath's shopping bags, Kate Beckinsale and Tom Cruise's garden fences, and Chloe Grace Moretz and Neve Campbell’s mascara use highlight the diverse cultural and personal contexts that shape our understanding of common sense. Unlike the term "common sense" suggests, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to survival or decision-making.
Survival in Diverse Environments
For instance, when traveling by train in India, I made a practical decision to wear the simplest and shabbiest clothes to avoid being targeted by pickpockets. This example underscores the idea that common sense can be a practical, location-specific understanding of how to stay safe. However, this same approach might not work in other environments where people might not perceive such attire as a security risk.
Common Sense vs. Good Sense
The argument that there is no such thing as common sense in a universal sense is supported by the idea that each environment requires its own set of survival instincts. For example, a New Yorker living in the Amazon jungle would lack the necessary sensibilities to survive, not because they lack common sense, but because the context is entirely different. Similarly, an inhabitant of the Amazon jungle would be ill-equipped to survive in the Saudi Arabian desert alone.
Understanding the Limits of Common Sense
In essence, common sense is not a fixed and universal concept. It is a collection of cultural and situational knowledge that helps individuals navigate their respective environments. Good sense, on the other hand, involves the practical application of this knowledge to survive and thrive in these varying contexts. For example, if you see something out of place, the instinct to question it before acting is a form of survival training that is specific to certain environments.
The Importance of Cultural Adaptation
This understanding of common sense also underscores the importance of cultural adaptation. People from different backgrounds have different sets of survival instincts and common practices. A sailor cannot survive in the Artic alone, just as an Inuit cannot survive in Los Angeles. Each environment requires a different set of skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Therefore, while common sense is often lauded as a universal tool for decision-making, it is, in reality, a culturally specific concept that changes based on the environment and context. The practical steps one takes to stay safe, such as wearing simpler clothes on a train in India, can be seen as a form of good sense specific to that context. Understanding this nuance is crucial for anyone aiming to survive and thrive in diverse environments.